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Bill Irwin, First Blind Hiker To Hike The Appalachian Trail, Passes Over The Weekend
March 5, 2014 By Leave a Comment
I read Bill Irwin's book during my 1994 thru-hike - very inspiring. He was the first blind hiker to hike the entire Appalachian Trail and did it with the assistance of his dog Orient. Sad to hear that he has passed over the weekend: "Bill Irwin, who in 1990 became the first and only blind person to hike the entire length of the Appalachian Trail without human assistance or companionship, died Saturday morning." A video story on You Tube... … [Read more...]
Misty Mountain Hop With “The Ken’s”
November 25, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Here we are with "The Ken's" and Boone Dawg as we wait for Brett at the junction of the Freeman, Reece Memorial and Appalachian Trail. This was the first mile of a nearly eight mile loop hike around Blood Mountain. … [Read more...]
We weathered rain, slippery rocks, bears, and put Rebel to rest this weekend
November 24, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Just returned from a loop hike at Blood Mountain via the Reece Memorial, Freeman, and Appalachian Trails. We were aware that bears were a problem in this area and reminded immediately by a sign at the trailhead. Here's two of our crew at the junction of the three trails. The 1.8 mile hike along the Freeman Trail was wet and slippery and much harder than I remembered it. There's not a lot of elevation change, but it's really rocky in sections. We arrive to an empty Woods Hole Shelter around … [Read more...]
Stratton Bald (From Horse Trail 217H)
October 29, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Here's a look at Stratton Bald from U.S. Forest Road and horse trail 217H. We descended to Trail 54A then hiked the ridge for a long climb to the summit at 5360 feet. … [Read more...]
The Dog Welcoming Party
September 22, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Rolling in to Jerry's ... and the greeting committee is at the dock. You gotta have ice for that beer, and we have three escorts! … [Read more...]
There’s Rattlesnakes Among Us: Backpacking To Wolf Laurel Top
June 6, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Brett (aka Therm Rider) and I start the hike at the Byron Herbert Reece Trailhead which gives us a bonus 1.7 mile hike this afternoon. We reach the Appalachian Trail after a gradual climb of 0.7 miles. After a mile descent, we meet up with Ken (aka Beer Run) at Neel's Gap. He's been watching our packs and the 20 bikers that rolled in to the parking area this afternoon. Bears are active and aggressive in this area. Parts of the Blood Mountain Wilderness have mandatory bear canister rules in … [Read more...]
Protected: Cocktail Hour At Wolf Top Laurel
June 3, 2013 By Leave a Comment
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Rattlesnakes In Them Thar Hills
June 3, 2013 By Leave a Comment
We were hiking the Appalachian Trail just north of Neels Gap and ran in to this Timber Rattlesnake crossing the path during a hike to Wolf Laurel Top. Fortunately, Ken was leading us because both Brett and I were listening to our iPods to motivate us up an 800' incline. Let that be a lesson ... if you plan to rock out during your hike, then take position in the back of the pack! Follow this link for a photo of the rattlesnake! … [Read more...]
The Frank Costanza Effect
June 3, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Brett show's off his Frank Costanza look while Boone Dawg chomps at gnats. Yeah ... it's sunset on Wolf Laurel Top and time to relax after a six mile hike. … [Read more...]
